THE Ghatere Adventist Primary School (GAPS) on South Kolombangara Island, Western Province, has received a new Sanitation Facility from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
The ablution block was officially handed over on Tuesday in front of a large crowd comprising the school staff and students and members of the community.
ADRA Communication and MEAL Officer Denver Newter officially handed over the ablution facility to the school and community on behalf of ADRA Country Director Leyn Eliezer Gantare, who was unable to attend due to work commitments in Honiara.
The Ablution Block was funded by ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands through its Turn on the Tap (TOTT) Project. The new facility includes shower rooms and toilet facilities for both boys and girls as well as a water tank that will serve to supply water to the ablution block.
Work on the ablution block started last year with support from the community. It was initially scheduled for handover last year, but was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
The ceremony was officiated by the Area Church Pastor (ACP) for Central Kolombangara District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) Pastor George Bekele, who also offered dedication prayer, Kukudu ADRA Team, Church leaders, Community representatives, School Parents Teachers Association (PTA) representative and the School Headmaster Dalton Runimetu.
Speaking at the handover, ADRA Communication and MEAL Officer Mr Newter urged the community and school to take good care of the facility.
“Please look after this facility as it is expensive and difficult to obtain. ADRA encourages you to take good care of it.
“We also encourage you to allocate some funds of your school grant for its maintenance to ensure that it continues to support students and staff in maintaining proper health and sanitation,” he said.
Ghatere Adventist Primary School Headmaster Dalton Runimetu thanked ADRA for funding the much-needed facility for the school.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to ADRA Australia for their generous support, which has made our dream a reality—providing our school with a proper ablution block.
“For a long time, the lack of an ablution block has been a major issue for our students. This facility is not just a building, it is a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose to promote hygiene and create a more comfortable learning environment. It will significantly enhance the daily health and well-being of our students,” Mr Runimetu said.
The sanitation facility will directly benefit the 64 students currently enrolled at the school, from PPY up to Year 6 as well as members of surrounding communities when they attend meetings and church services.
Last year, under the TOTT project, ADRA funded similar ablution blocks for several schools owned by the United Church Education Authourity. These schools include Barasipo Community High School in Vonavona Lagoon, Rawaki High School, Titiana Primary School and Ngari Primary School in West Gizo and Kalaro Primary School and Nusa Simbo Primary School on Simbo Island.
ADRA also supported Mansoika SDA Primary School, Varu SDA Primary School and Ghatere Primary School on Kolombangara under this project.
The TOTT Project collaborates with school leaders, education authorities, and provincial service providers to improve access to clean drinking water, safe and hygienic toilets, sustainable menstrual supplies, and effective hygiene education in schools across the Western Province.
This initiative prioritises the needs of female students and children with disabilities, whilst equipping school leaders with the skills to develop and maintain infrastructure that meets national standards and guidelines.
- ADRA
